Global Tech News: SSD and RAM Prices Surge in 2025–2026

 

Over the past year, consumers worldwide have noticed that SSD (storage) and RAM (memory) prices are climbing sharply — affecting PC builders, gamers, laptop buyers, and upgrades alike. Here’s the actual reason behind this trend based on recent global industry developments

1. Soaring Demand from AI & Data Centers

A major reason for the price jump is the rapid increase in demand for memory from artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructures and large data centers. Companies that operate AI models — like Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon — require huge amounts of high-performance memory, especially DRAM and high-bandwidth memory (HBM).

Because memory makers dedicate more of their production to these high-value customers, less memory is available for regular consumer SSDs and RAM modules, driving prices up.

2. Supply Is Tight — Memory Shortage Continues

The global memory supply has been in a shortage phase since about 2024, and this has continued into 2026. Unlike earlier chip shortages tied to supply disruptions, this time the issue is structural — production capacity is being strategically reallocated away from mainstream DDR and SSD components toward higher-margin AI/server products.

industry analysts report that DRAM prices could rise 50–60% in early 2026 and that SSD NAND flash prices are also up significantly as manufacturers control output and prioritize enterprise orders.

3. Manufacturers Prioritize More Profitable Segments

Memory makers such as Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron are shifting production focus:

• from consumer DDR4/DDR5 modules
• toward server-grade memory and HBM used in AI accelerators

This strategic shift means fewer chips go into PC parts, putting upwards pressure on prices for everyday consumers

4. Production Capacity Limits

Building new factories for memory chips isn’t simple — it can take 2–3 years before new production lines start shipping products. Even though companies are planning big investments, the short-term supply remains constrained, helping keep SSD and RAM prices high.

• Retail RAM and SSD prices have gone up significantly compared to early 2025 levels. 
• Major PC brands like Asus and others are adjusting laptop prices to reflect these increased component costs.

In Simple Terms

• Big data & AI companies are buying more memory than ever.
• Memory makers are focusing production on high-end/server chips.
• That leaves fewer chips for consumer SSDs and RAM.
• Result: prices go up for regular users who want more storage or memory.

The price rise in SSDs and RAM isn’t a temporary discount glitch — it’s being driven by real shifts in global demand and supply priorities, especially due to AI growth and strategic production decisions by memory manufacturers. Staying informed helps you decide when to buy or upgrade your PC gear.